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Dec. 10, 1929. E. w. TERHUNE SASH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed July 9, L9252 Sheets-Sheet Dec. 10, 1929. E. w. TERHUNE SASH OPERATING MECHANISMFiled Ju1y 9, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet Patented Dec. '10, 1929 Ennrren staresearner EH65,

EDW' IN W. TERI-IITNE, OF IRVINGTON ON THE HUDSON, NEW YORK, ASSIGNQR TOLORD & BUENHAIVI COMPANY, OF VTION. OF NEW YORK.

IRVINGTON ON THE'HUDSON, NEW YORK, A CORPORA- Application. filed July 9,

' ing a main line shaft of a structure, such as a green house or otherstructure, wherein suitable mechanism is provided to co-operate with theshaft to effect movement ofa run of sash. w

It is desirable in sash operatingdevices to be able to controland-eifectmovement of the sash throughout any extended run or length, froma singlepoint of control. In comparatively short runs of line shaft, this mayreadily be done, but as the length of the structure increases, say forexample to over one hundred and fifty feet, the problem becomesincreasingly dificult. As the control mechanism is actuated usually byhand, there is a practical limit to the force and energy applied. .It'is desirable therefore to obtain the required movement of the sashthroughout the entire lengthof the line shaft,.or, of the structure,from a common point, and this with a minimum expenditure of force andenergy.

In very long green houses this feature of efiecting control from asingle point is of particular importance, because if there is suddenchange. in temperature, say for example by' a sudden drop intemperature, or other change; in weather conditions it becomes 5 pointsfrom which movement ofthe sash was effected; neither would the rapidclosure of the sash be likely tobe effected if the mechanism were slowin action and required considerable force to operate. g I a In order toprovide a sash operating mechanism to meet the more exactingrequirements in the development-of the art, the mechanism should efl'ectmovement of the sash with V a minimum expenditure of force in as short atime'as possible. In producing a mechanism tomeet the above mechanicalrequirements, it

is "alsorhighly' desirable, particularly in a 1925. Serial No. 42,555.

green house, to keep the parts as small and compact as possible in orderto reducev the shadowy effect to a minimum. It is further desirabletokeep the mechanism small so as to reduce the weight and to afford apleasing andneat appearing device. I

If the device is too bulky, in addition to the greater shadow effectobtained, and the unwieldy appearance, difficulties are encountered inproviding a suitable mounting or support under the varying conditionsand requirements of use. One of factors to be considered under thelatter head, is the method of supporting'the line shaft actuatingmechanism in operative relation to the line shaft. In some instances themechanism may be supported on a post or column from below, and in otherinstances it becomes necessary to suspend'the mechanism from a rafter orother part ofthe structure from above. It becomes desirable therefore toprovide actuating mechanism for the line shaft so arranged as to bereadily adapted to be supported interchangeably in either one of anumber of positions without necessitating rearrangement or specialdesign of the casing for the mechanism to meet the varying conditions ofuse.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide line shaft actuatingmechanism for operating sash or the like, which will embody and meet thedesirable features above set forth.

A further object is to provide line shaft actuating mechanism which issmall, compact and neat in appearance, and which is lighter in weightthan mechanism heretofore employed for the similar requirements.

Still a further object is to provide worm gear mechanism for actuatingthe line shaft in which the worm gearis reduced to a minimum diameterand other parts are so arranged and constructed that when used for heavyduty involving a relatively long run of line shaft, a maximum opening'ofthe sash is effected in a minimum time with an expenditure of force andenergyless thanthat heretofore employed in devices for this urpose. Theresult of tests of the device in actual use has demonstrated that, incomparison withdevices heretofore employed, for a tion due to end thrustand of the rotating parts is reduced to a minimum, and in which theparts are so arranged relative the line shaft and sash that the wormgear serves as a stop or brake at all-times to prevent accidentaldropping or closing of the sash. This braking function is effectedwithout the necessity for use of extra braking or stop, mechanism suchas pawl and ratchet or other stops such as used in some devices of theprior art.

One selected embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings anddescribed in the following specification, for purposes of illustration.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation showing in section a sash andportion of the roof, and showing the arrangement of the line shaftactuating mechanism supported. from below and detachably mounted on thetop of a column, the worm being actuated from below by a hand wheelthrough chain and sprocket mechanism.

Figure 2 is a side elevation ofFigure1show ing also by a dot and dashline a method of operating the worm above by chain alone, in case thelower hand wheel and sprocket is not used.

Figure 3 is a View similar to Figure 1 but without the column, the shaftactuating worm and mechanism being suspended from above from the rafter.

Figure 41 is a side elevation of Fig. 3 and also shows by dot and dashline that the worm may be actuated by chain in the event that the lowerhand wheel and post is not used.

Figure 5 comprises an enlarged front and side elevation showing moreclearly the detachable mounting of the worm and gear casing on thecolumn.

Figure 6 is an enlarged side elevation showing more clearly thedetachable mounting of woicm gear casing when suspended from a rafter.

Figure 7 is an elevation partly in section showing the worm and gearassembly detachon a horizontal plane passing through the bearing of theline gear shaft of Fig. 8, the gear not being shown.

Figure 10 is a broken fragmentary view in elevation and partly insection, showing the lower hand wheel by which the worm is actuated' andthe'means for adjusting-the wheel upon a post or column to obtaintheproper chain adjustment and tension.

In Figure 1 is shown a rafter 16 and portion; of a roof in section, asash 20 being shown pivoted at the ridge of; thereof". The sash howevermay be pivotally supported either at one side or between the ends in amanner well known in the art. by a rack bar 18, having one end pivotallyconnected to the sash frame as at 21. The

rack bar 18 is preferably curved as shown in Fig. 1 but it is understoodthat a straight rack bar 18 may be used as shown in Fig. 3.

The teeth of the rack bar engage the teeth of apinion fixed on the lineshaft 14. The rack bar 18 is retained in operative relation to thepinion by a yoke 19 more clearly indicated in Figs. 2 and 4. It isunderstood of course that the various sashes throughout the length ofthe structure are actuated by the rack bars and pinions distributedalong the line shaft. The rack bar and pinion arrange- The sash isopened ment is preferable to the jointed pivoted arm arrangement attimes used, particularly in very long runs of the line shaft,because ofthe decreased moment arm in thecase of the pinion effective to causetorsion of the line shaft.

The line sh aftl l is actuated by a worm and mechanism contained withinthe casing 2 and. cover 15 Figs. 1 to 6) and more clearon the worm shaftis rotated from below by a chain 2% which may hanglcosely as indicatedat 29, by dot and'da-sh line (see Figs. 2 and 4) or the chain may passaround another sprocket wheel 25 which may berotated by the handle 26(Figs. 1 to .t'). i i

In Figures 1, 2 and 5 the casing 12 containing the worm gear isdetachably mounted on an intermediate member such as a cap 11, by screws11 which cap in turn is detachably mounted on the top of the column 10by a set screw 55 or other suitable means. If conditions are such as torender it necessary ordesirable to mount or supportthe same casing onthe rafter 16, the worm gear casing 12 may be detachably mounted '.'onanother intermediate member such as a bracket 17,

(Fig. 6) which bracket in turnmay be de;

tachably mounted on rafter 16hr other part of the building structurefromfabguea This .tures' of the device.

ard type of line shaft actuating mechanism is effected by providing anintermediate meme her or base element upon which'the casing 121sdetachably mounted. This feature effects economy in manufacture and isvery convenient in mounting it in use. i

As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 6 the arm bracket I 1Tinay be detachablyfixed to the rafter. by

i and the bearing 32 in the casing.

bolts 22 passing through the arm22 of the bracket 17. Thecasing 12housing the worm gear mechanism for actuating the line shaft 14, isdetachably mounted on the base 17 of the intermediate member or bracket.hen the casing 12 is suspended from above, as from a rafter 1.6, thesprocket wheel 23 on the worm shaft 13 may be rotated either by thechain 29 loosely hanging, or from a hand wheel 25 which may be mountedon a, shorter post 30; the longer column 10 of course is not necessary.i 7

Figures 7, 8, and 9 show more clearly the construction. arrangement andassembly of the worm and gear mechanism for actuating the line shaft.The casing 30 is provided with bearings 31, 32 (Figs. 7 and 9) for theends 45, 44.1'espectively of the shaft of the worm 42. One end of theworm, shaft 44 is sup? ported in the bearing 32 of the casing. The otherend 45 of the worm shaft is carried in a roller bearing 46 mounted in"the bearing housing 31 of the/casing.v The end45 of the worm shaftextends outward from the casing 12 and has a sprocket wheel 23 mountedthereon; (this is thesame wheel as designated as 23 in Figs. 1 to 4).The rollerbearings reduce the friction at the end of shaft where thepower is applied to the worm 42 through the wheel 23. A spacing washer47 is arranged between the bearing 46 and the hub 42 of the worm. Theend thrust of the worm is considerable during operation and whileholding the sash in open position. In order to minimize the friction dueto this end thrust, a ballend thrust bearing 48 is interposed bet-weenthe hub. 42 of the worm Theworm wheel 43 is mounted on the line shaft 49(Figs. 7 to 9) (designated as 14 in Figs. 1 to 6) and serves as theactuating means for transmitting rotary movement to the line shaft. Theworm wheel 43, may be held in normally fixed position on the line shaft49, by a key 65, or by other suitable means well known in the art. Asthe gear teeth are con stantly in mesh with the worm teeth, the wormwheel maintains or looks the line shaft in any given position, thusholding the sash any desired position without the necessity for stopsorcatches as has been necessary insome other devices heretofore used.

The shaft 49 of the worm gear is rotatably Supported in ballbearings 35,36 one on each side of'the gear 43, and the cups or races of saidbearings being in turn housed or carried in the bearing housings 33, 34of-the casing 30. The gear shaft 49 may be'separate and fixed to gearwheel, 43, any suitable coupling means well known in the art beingprovided to connect the gear shaft in alignment with and in drivingrelation with the line shaft.

A removable cover or cap 37 of a general semi circular form isdetachably secured to the casing by screws 38 or other suitable means,on the top of the bearings'31, 32 for the worm shaft. Such aconstruction permits the convenient assembly of the gear in the casing30 and further enables the ready inspection of the worm and gear, whendesired as the removal of the cover 37 leaves the gear wheel almostentirely exposed. The two upstanding bearing housings 33, 34 form a Uportion of the casing 30. which when the cover is in place houses thegear.

Preferably, a suitable lubricant is carried in the lower chamber of thecasing containing the worm, in which the latter may run.

The base of the worm gear casing 30, is preferably formed flat and isadapted to be detachably mounted by bolts 40 on a table 41 of acorresponding form on an'intermediate cap member 54 which is inturn adjustably and detachably fixed on the top of a column 53 by the set screw55. As heretofore set forth,'the intermediate member may be a bracketifthe casing is to be suspended from a rafter or other portion of thebuilding structure.

The lower sprocket wheel 51" is adjustably mounted on the column 53 andpreferably suitable means are provided for permitting ready adjustmentup or down in order to obtam proper tension of the chain connecting thetwo sprocket wheels. For this purpose the set screws 62, or othersuitable means may be provided. As shown the shaft 59 on which thesprocketwheel 51 is mounted extends through a locking collar or barrelflange 57, which is integral with the sleeve 56, 56. A set screw '6which secures the locking collar on the shaft 59. A nut 60 is providedon the end of the shaft 59 which extends outward of'the barrel 57. Thismounting for the lower wheel sprocket provides a firm mounting andsubstantial bearing.- The hollow barrel construction cuts down theweight ofthe support.

lVhile one preferred form of the invention has -been shown and describedfor purposes of illustration, it is understoodthat various changes andmodifications may be made by those skilled in 'the art. withoutdeparting from the spirit and'scope of the invention.

' What I claim'isi- 1; In sash actuating mechanism of the self brakingtype, the combination of a sash mounted for movement, a line shaftrotatably mounted,means actuated by the shaft for effecting movement ofthe sash, and means including worm and gear for effecting rotarymovement of the line'shaft, a casing for said worm and gear, said casinghaving a substantially flat base below the worm, a fixed support andmeans for mounting said casing on said fixed support, said meansincluding an intermediate member interposed between the fixed supportand the base of the casing,

and means for detachably securing said intermediate member to the baseof the casing and adjustable means for securing said intermediate memberto the fixed support.

2. In sash actuating mechanism of the self braking type, the combinationof a sash mounted for movement, a horizontal line shaft rotatablymounted, a pinion fixed on the line shaft, a rack bar actuated by thepinion for effecting movement of the sash, worm and gear mechanism forrotating the line shaft, said gear being mounted on said line shaft andsaid Worm being below said gear, a casing providing bearings for theworm and gear, and a substantially semi-circular shaped cover detachablysecured to the casing and substantially housing the gear, said. casinghaving a flatbase, and an intermediate support detachably fixed to saidfiat base and adjustable means for mounting said inter mediate supporton a fixed support.

3. In sash operating mechanism of the self braking type compris ng asash, a line shaft and means connected between the line shaft and thesash for moving the latter, a worm and gear for actuating said shaft,said gear being mounted on the line shaft, a casing for the worm andgear, said casing having asubstant ally flat base, and means forsupporting said worm and gear in operative relation to the line shaft,said means including an intermediate support detachably fixed to thebase of the casing, and means for detachably securingsaid support toanother fixed ob ect.

In sash operating devices of the self braking type comprising a sash. aline shaft and means co-operatin therewith for moving the sash. worm andgear mechanism for rotating the line shaft, said gear being mounted onthe line shaft, and a cas ng; for the worm and gear, said casingcomprising an upper portion having upstanding bearlngs for the ivormgear forming a U shaped portion. a removable cover semi-circular in formadapted to fit over the upstanding bearing portion and enclose the wormgear, bearings in the lower part of the casing for the worm shaft,including a roller bearing at one end of the worm shaft and a thrusthearing at the other end of the ivorm, the base of said casingbeingsubstantially flat, a fixed support and an intermediate supportinterposed between said fixed support and the base of the cas ng. 5. Thecombination of a column and means mam for adjustably supporting asprocket Wheel thereon, said means comprising a sleeve, meansforadjustably supporting the sleeve on the column, a barrel flange integralwith the sleeve and having bearings therein at I opposite ends of thebarrel, a. shaft mounted" in said bearings and extending through saidbarrel flange, the ends of the shaft extending beyond the bearings, oneend of the-shaft having a sprocket wheel mountedthereon, and lockingmeans of the other end of the shaft to prevent axial movement thereof.

6. In sash operating, mechanism of the self braking type comprising asash, a line shaft,

and means, between the sash and line shaft for:

shaft, the space bet-ween said bearing sun-,

ports being open to permit insertion of the worm gear without disturbingthe position of the worm and the bearings for the worm and gear, and aremovable cover for the open space between the bearing supports adaptedto house the gear.

7 In sash operating mechanism of the self braking type including a lineshaft, a worm gear mounted thereon and worm. means for supporting saidworm and gear in co-operative relation to each other and to the lineshaft, said means being arranged to permit removal of the worm gearindependently of the worm and withoutdisturbing the bearings for theworm or gear, said means including a casing having a lower portion forreceiving the worm, upstanding side portions integral with the casing,said side portions having apertures therein adapted to receiveanti-friction bearings for the line shaft, said side portions also beingspaced a suflicient distance aparttopermit insertion and removal of theworm gear, without disturbing the assembly of the worm and bearings, acover detachably secured to thecasing and bridging the upstanding sideportions;

In testimony whereof I a flix my signature.

' EDWIN W. TERHUNE.

